Blooming Crepe Myrtles
Austin's Favorite Bloom

More Blooms.
Less "Murder."

Expert pruning for Crepe Myrtles. We reject "topping" and focus on natural structural pruning that promotes massive summer blooms and elegant winter bark.

Schedule Pruning Our Method
The Wrong Way vs. The Right Way

Stop "Crepe Murder"

Many landscapers commit "Crepe Murder" by chopping the tops off trees every winter. This creates ugly "knuckles," weak whip-like branches that droop under flower weight, and ruins the tree's natural vase shape.

The Arborist Standard

We practice pencil-thin pruning. We remove internal crossing branches, seed pods, and suckers, leaving the main trunks intact. This results in stronger wood, upright blooms, and a beautiful architectural look year-round.

Topping
Natural Shaping
Stubs
Sucker Removal
Natural Crepe Myrtle Shape
Health Check

Does Your Crepe Myrtle Need Help?

Look for these common issues affecting Austin's favorite ornamental tree.

Basal Suckers

Shoots growing from the base steal energy from the main canopy and look messy. We remove them cleanly at the root collar.

Crossing Limbs

Branches rubbing against each other strip bark and create entry points for pests. We thin the center to allow airflow.

Powdery Mildew

White dust on leaves stunts growth. Proper pruning increases air circulation, reducing fungal outbreaks.

Bark Scale

White or black residue on the trunk? This pest turns trees black with sooty mold. We offer systemic treatments.

Our Services

Specialized Care Plans

Structural Pruning

Our standard service. We clean out the canopy, remove seed heads (optional), and shape the tree to show off its natural form.

Restoration

Has your tree been topped in the past? We can fix it. We select new leaders from the "knuckles" to eventually restore height and grace.

Pest Treatment

Treating Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale and Aphids. We use soil drenches that are absorbed by the roots for long-lasting protection.

The Pruning Workflow

1

Base

We start at the ground, removing all suckers and establishing the main 3-5 trunks.

2

Center

We clear the interior of the tree to allow sunlight and wind to pass through, preventing mildew.

3

Canopy

We remove rubbing branches and deadwood. We only reduce height if strictly necessary for clearance.

4

Cleanup

We haul away all trimmings. Crepe Myrtles create a lot of debris, but we leave your lawn pristine.

Crepe Myrtle Pricing

Affordable rates for proper care. Discounts for multiple trees.

Small (<10ft)

$50 - $100

Per tree. Quick shaping and sucker removal.

Most Common

Medium (10-20ft)

$100 - $200

Per tree. Structural pruning and deadwooding.

Large (20ft+)

$200+

Per tree. Requires ladder work and extensive shaping.

*Minimum visit charge applies. Ask about neighborhood group rates!

Crepe Myrtle FAQs

When is the best time to prune?

Late winter is best, specifically late January to February. This is just before the tree wakes up from dormancy. Pruning at this time promotes vigorous spring growth and maximizes summer blooms.

Why shouldn't I top my Crepe Myrtle?

Topping creates weak, spindly branches that cannot support the weight of flowers, causing them to droop to the ground. It also creates ugly "knuckles" that ruin the winter silhouette of the tree.

Can you reduce the height without topping?

Yes, to an extent. We can perform "crown reduction" by cutting tall branches back to a side branch. However, Crepe Myrtles are genetically programmed to grow tall. If it's too big for the space, we may recommend replanting a smaller cultivar.

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